Crowdfunding to Support Those Affected by Flint, Michigan’s Water Crisis

Flint’s drinking water became contaminated with lead in April 2014 after the city, while under the control of a state-appointed emergency manager, temporarily switched its source from Lake Huron water treated by the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department to water from the Flint River, treated at the Flint water treatment plant.

Department of Environmental Quality Director Dan Wyant resigned in December after acknowledging that the DEQ failed to require the addition of needed corrosion-control chemicals to the corrosive Flint River water. As a result, lead leached from pipes, joints and fixtures, contaminating the drinking water for an unknown number of Flint households. Lead causes permanent brain damage in children, as well as other health problems.

For months, state officials downplayed reports of lead in the water and a spike in the lead levels in the blood of Flint children before acknowledging a problem on Oct. 1, 2015. Since then, Snyder has faced repeated questions about when he first knew there was too much lead in Flint’s drinking water.

The investigation is growing and officials are resigning over the incident. However, while it is incredibly important to determine the root cause of the issue, and hold responsible parties accountable, it’s also important to remember that people are facing tremendous difficulties and need help right now. In addition to the American Red Cross, there are some great campaigns out there trying to help the people in Flint, Michigan. If you want to help out, start a crowdfunding campaign to support the American Red Cross or contribute to great campaigns like Flint H2O today. Together, we can make a difference for Flint.